Photographer's Note

This is the Matrimonial Tree. It is an ancient Donegal custom that when a couple were engaged, two trees would be grown side by side. When the couple were married, the trees would be grafted together. The trees would grow together, but also retain their own characteristics, some would say quite symbolic of marriage. It is said that if a couple walk through the arch holding hands, then their love will last forever.

This sculpture is by Cod Steaks and stands on the bridge over the River Finn, between the twin towns of Stranorlar and Ballybofey and it also symbolises the close relationship these two towns have.

Hello Lisa,
You have captured this interesting Matrimonial Tree monument (?) from excellent low angle viewpoint with superb details. The side light is also very good and the vertical composition perfect.
Many thanks for your comments to my latest night photo. I'm aware of ISO sensitivity problems. I made similar photo fro different POV at ISO 100. I was surprised that there was not major noise difference, so I selected this one which I've taken from (IMO) from best POV. After reading your comments I've compared both once more, I can't recognize any substantial difference. Nikon D600 is a full format camera and ISO in range of 5000 is usually not a major problem. May be the noise was created by transmission to TE or other factors. If you are interested I can send you both photos. But anyhow I appreciate your professional comments very much.
Wish you a very nice weekend.
Greetings
Miro

I have never heard of this tradition, despite the fact that I have stayed in Donegal! It is very symbolic of marriage. But I did raise a smile with the names 'Cod Steak' and 'River Finn'; a fishy connection!

The blue hour shot, with slow shutter speed, has picked out the texture of the sculpture quite beautifully, as it twirls and twists into the night sky.
I wonder who made the hand prints!

hi lisa,
great note to accompany the picture. i've also clicked on the link and have sinead playing in the background, so i've got the full experience going on here. i love the colours in this picture with the artificial lighting and the blue hour sky combining (a bit like the trees) to create this lovely image.
regards,
brian

A difficult shot to get and I see you've skilfully hidden 2 streetlights behind the sculpture to minimise glare and oe. Wonderful warm cold color contrasts between the blue and gold with superb sharpness and framing. A wonderful tradition and hope there is some truth in it, even if it only appears symbolic at first glance. Tfs!

Hello dear Lisa,
a fine and joyful night shot, an interesting and atmospheric presentation of this artwork. I like very much how you placed it in the immediate foreground and how it expands and rises in the vertical frame. It's roundness and plasticity are delightful and I love the play of light, shadow, warm and grey tones all over it. It's funny and sweet to see how it stands out next to the real trees. You've made the most of the artificial lighting rendering rich yellow tones that contrast with the magnificent blue of the sky. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely weekend,
Ourania

What a lovely tradition Lisa, a romantic and highly symbolic idea and the sculpture makes a marvelous local subject. I wonder if newly married or engaged couples pose for photographs here? The golden tones and deep blue sky make a wonderful pairing and you have captured the evening ambiance well. I'm intrigued by the pair of hand-prints on the stylised trees. Have a good weekend and warm wishes. Rosemary

A corrected repost of the interesting sculpture, and this time the headlight of the coming cars not disturb the fine view, Lisa.
Illuminated golden metal in superb contrast against the darkening sky.
Have a lovely weekend,
Ike

Hey Lisa,
I thought I had seen this before, my brother took some shots of this, but under totally different light (it was grey sky) but you have really given it a new view to me! The golden light from the long exposure is really stunning, and its a fascinating subject and sculpture. Is Cod Steaks really the guys name? Wow...
Beautiful gold and blue hour sky, this is a stunner. Cheers for the note too, I think I might start a charter bus bringing couples here as a marriage counseling service!
All the best
Noel

Ciao Lisa !!
I think that the artificial lights from the traffic nearby have made a superb contribution to this sculpture, they have created shades & bright spots..... so it is more dynamic........ just an opinion.
I really like the upper section of the sculpture.
You chose the best POV..... so the image is very impressive.
Happy Sunday.
Un abrazo cariñoso.
Gus

Hi Lisa
Perhaps only keen eyes can recognise this potential - a fine artwork of unusual union of the two- showing your diversity and vision of such a strange looking but delicately sculptured with subtle aspects to it. The golden tone of the copper work seems to match warm glow of the night and i love the fact that this strikingly set off the dark sky extremely well.

But you are at the right spot, close and low to exploit the best viewing point to record their intimate moment! Its so unique and so much to look at in superb detail, loads of charm in excellent depth and symmetry all really so pleasing. Clarity is superb, pin sharp, I think you must be over the moon with this composition, exposure can pose a problem in situation like this but you manage it well for it looks so balanced and the perspective & pov make this couple look bigger. This is a fine image, a well thought out shot braving the element and real cool!! Well done. TFS
Best regards